Don’t be Afraid of Hurricane Season
Hurricane season runs officially from June 1st to November 30st. For the Dominican tourism industry, low-season falls in the last leg of possible hurricane threats during the months of September, October and November.
The Dominican Republic’s low season has much to do with the start of the academic school year in countries like the U.S. and Canada, but you’d be surprised how many would-be travelers stay home for fear of hurricanes. This fear is more hype than anything and, more importantly, that fear could cost you money! Airlines, hotels and tour operators lower their rates substantially from September to November. Read more…
Express Transportation: Punta Cana – Santo Domingo
From Punta Cana Bavaro to Santo Domingo
From Bavaro, one can take the Expreso Bavaro Bus directly to Santo Domingo. Travelers can board and/or purchase a ticket for Expreso Bavaro from the Bavaro Bus Station just a block south of the Friusa Intersection on the Avenida Estados Unidos 809-552-1678. You may also board at the Veron stop along the Carretera Luperon-Punta Cana 809-455-1473. Departure times from the Bavaro Bus Station are: 7am, 10 am, 2pm, and 4pm. Tickets cost RD$375 for both adults and children. Note that the Expreso Bavaro Buses leave from the bus station in Friusa and pass by the Veron stop on the way to Santo Domingo, so pick-up times are approximately a half an hour after the original departure time.
The buses are large and well maintained with air conditioning that can be self controlled from your seat. The driver will also put on one to two movies during the trip. Unfortunately, there is no bathroom on the bus so be prepared. Your next and only opportunity to purchase refreshments and/or use the restroom is about two hours into the trip at a highway rest stop called La Lechonera. Read more…
Punta Cana Getaways: Punta Rucia
Located on the Dominican Republic’s Northwest Coast, about an hour west of Montecristi, is the awe-inspiring Punta Rucia. See driving directions and map below.
Depending on the way you look at it, Punta Rucia’s lack of development can be a positive or a negative. Positive, because this small beach town remains one of the great escapes of the island; negative because basic services are non-existent. When arriving in Punta Rucia, come prepared: there are no gas stations, no ATM’s or banks, no cell phone service, no paved roads and accommodation mainly ranges from very basic to basic. Read more…
Punta Cana Public Bus Guide
Getting around Bavaro on the wide network of public buses is not difficult at all and can actually be an enjoyable experience as you’ll be sharing the transport with mainly the locals: hotel employees, school children, and Haitian construction workers. Despite what your resort or travel agent might have told you, leaving your hotel and exploring on Bavaro’s public transport is perfectly safe and substantially cheaper than taking a hotel taxi. Expect to pay RD$35 on each bus for local transportation and RD$100 for trips to Higuey. Read more…
Ocean Blue Beach & Golf Resort
Located on a stretch of white sand beach in Punta Cana and set in landscaped gardens, the all-inclusive Ocean Blue Beach & Golf Resort draws families, singles and couples. The modern open-air lobby has marble floors, rattan furniture, and neutral palate. Junior, deluxe or honeymoon suites have a tropical décor; all feature a balcony or patio and large bathrooms with polished marble twin sinks, showers, tubs and Jacuzzis.
Ocean Blue Beach & Golf Resort offers nine dining venues. La Tortuga serves a buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Arenal Beach Restaurant is open for lunch and snacks. La Casa de mi Abuela serves authentic Dominican cuisine; Margarita offers Mexican food; I Mascherati Di Venezia specializes in Italian cuisine and Route 66 serves American fare. At El Bodegón Chef’s Table & Wine Cellar the emphasis is on food and wine pairings. La Brasa offers a Caribbean menu and Bucareno offers fresh seafood.
The Ocean Tower Casino, and the full-service Ocean Spa are onsite. Other activities include yoga and aerobics classes as well as wall climbing, horseback riding, archery, snorkeling and windsurfing. Ocean Blue is the only resort in the area with an on-site bowling alley. Guests have access to the 18-hole White Sands Golf Course nearby.
